Meet The Chef
My name is Starr Woelfel, and I am the Chef and Owner of Sunflower Skye LLC. The birth of Sunflower Skye was inspired by whispers of encouragement that echoed through the kitchens of friends and family.
My culinary journey began humbly, as I assisted my Momma in the kitchen and watched cooking shows as a child. Those early experiences fueled my passion for food. I vividly recall our family pig pickings in Enfield, NC, where my Daddy taught me how to grill and cook various meats. My uncles also played a significant role in shaping my culinary skills. One uncle showed me how to thin out eggs using water, while another introduced me to the sophistication of wine pairings.
As I grew older, I cooked for friends in college and worked in restaurants, learning from seasoned chefs who created culinary masterpieces. Despite my interest, I initially hesitated to pursue a career in the food industry, aware of its male-dominated nature. However, everything changed when I met my now-husband, Chris. He took me to exquisite restaurants, where I discovered that food could be art. After our dates, I’d recreate the flavors at home, dissecting each component in my mind.
Cooking became more than a hobby it became my passion. I experimented with new dishes on my family, in-laws, and friends drawing inspiration from Liberian cuisine that my mother-in-law and father-in-law taught me. My families support along with my husband’s unwavering love for my cooking and push to do more, fueled my determination.
Over the past five years, I’ve honed my craft by attending culinary classes and learning from seasoned chefs worldwide. From bustling markets in Paris to serene vineyards in Sorrentino, I’ve absorbed wisdom like a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. Now, all of these experiences have culminated in the birth of Sunflower Skye.